Jo-Ann Mihaichuk
October 29, 2024
October 29, 2024
October 29, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jo-Ann Donalda Mihaichuk (nee LaForge) on October 29th, 2024, at the age of 68. Jo-Ann was born on August 10th, 1956 in Vancouver, B.C. and was adopted as an infant by Joseph and Gloria LaForge.
Jo-Ann was well known for her strong will, her sense of humor, and her fierce loving and protective nature of her friends and family. Jo-Ann had an intense passion for her hobbies such as camping, landscape oil painting, crafting, swimming, and playing Bingo. Jo-Ann was a trained pastry artist and created many beautiful and elaborate ornamental wedding cakes.
Jo-Ann met the love of her life and beloved husband of 37 years, Richard
Mihaichuk, while they both played darts out of local Royal Canadian Legion
branches. As a result of this union, Jo-Ann gained three children through
Richard- Jessica, Michael, and Matthew, whom she loved as her own. She was
tremendously proud of who her children grew up to be and she made sure everyone
knew it.
One of Jo-Ann's greatest joys was spending time with her grandsons, Michael and
Alexander, and doting on her many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and
nephews. You could see her face beam whenever she was called Grandma or Auntie
Jo.
Jo-Ann was extremely close with her sisters, Jacqueline and Michele, while
growing up and remained so until her passing. So close in fact, they celebrated
it with a tattoo on their wrists shortly after Jo-Ann's 65th birthday on a trip
to Whistler.
In the last years of her life, Jo-Ann battled Multiple Myeloma and
unfortunately succumbed to complications from the disease. Jo-Ann peacefully
slipped away with her sister by her side at Vancouver General Hospital.
Jo-Ann was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Gloria, and her brother
Leonard.
She is survived by husband: Richard, her children: Jessica (Sean), Michael,
Matthew (Melissa), her grandchildren: Michael and Alexander, her sisters:
Jacqueline (David) and Michele (Pete), and her close lifetime friends: Barb,
Terry, and Freda.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make a donation to the BC
Cancer Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
A memorial for Jo-Ann will be held on a date TBD next Summer at Alouette Lake
in Maple Ridge, BC where she loved to go camping. Details will be posted
in late Spring, 2025.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
Our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts are with you all
~ Louise and Richard BourqueSending all my love to the family. Rest easy auntie Jo. Thanks for everything, you will be missed. ❤️ ~ Leeanne
My deepest condolences in your loss. Jo-Ann was so caring, with a huge heart, who was funny (Donald Duck impressions) which the kids loved and she always had your back. Rest in peace Jo. David Chuy
~ David Chuy
Cory and I send our deepest condolences as well as Love , Light and Hugs.
~ Andrea S
Loved your laugh Jo. You are missed by all who knew you.
~ Christine Bigelow
Thoughts and prayers to Rick and family. Your big giving heart will be missed by all who new you.
~ Robert Swanson
Rick and family - Denise and I are so sorry for your loss. So many great memories and fun times. She was a warm amazing lady. Our thoughts are with you.
Love
Brad & Denise Peacock
~ Brad Peacock
I will miss you so much Jo-Ann. Your kindness and spirit added so much to the community at SVL. I always enjoyed popping into your room to say hi, hear about a new show you were watching or how your room would transform for each holiday. You hold a special place in my heart forever.
~ Tiara
Jo-Ann was the sunshine of the pool ! I loved listening to her laughs and stories about marathon bingo games with she and her sister .Jo-Ann was definitely one of a kind , and I was so glad she was my friend. Marnie
Yes, Jo-Ann was always fun in Central Park Pool and I have missed her the last couple of years. She even organized picnics in the park for her fellow swimmers when the pool was closed during COVID.
My sincere condolences to Rick and the family.
Judy Egerton.
~ Judy Egerton